Best Protein Powders 2025 - Forbes Vetted

Many of the best protein powders are on sale for October Prime Day, including our best overall pick, the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein. For more deals, check out our roundup of the best October Prime Day deals.

Peruse the wellness aisles of your local health food store or browse the many online supplement shops, and you’ll find a vast selection of protein powders to choose from: whey, casein, pea and soy among them. To help cut through the noise, I spoke with dietitians to find out what to look for, what to avoid and how to identify the right blend for you—and set out to identify a selection of the best protein powders that cater to a range of needs. Based on my findings, Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein is a solid option for most people, and it tastes good, too.

After speaking with dietitians and fitness experts, we rounded up the best protein powders of 2025.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS

When you’re shopping for protein powder, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, think about the protein source: Whey and casein are complete options (that means they contain all of the necessary amino acids to effectively build muscle), while pea and hemp are plant-based for vegan or dairy-free diets. From there, consider the ingredient list to find blends with minimal additives and artificial sweeteners. And finally, you’ll want something that mixes well and actually tastes good. With all that in mind, these are some of the best protein powders of 2025, whether you’re looking to meet daily protein requirements, build muscle or replace a meal.

MOST POPULAR

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein (Now 11% Off)

What’s notable: Its nutritional value and wide variety of flavors make it a solid choice for most people. It’s also a great value for the price compared to protein powders of similar caliber.

What could be better: It’s not the cleanest protein powder on our list; some flavors contain artificial sweeteners that can irritate sensitive stomachs.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein is one of the most popular protein powders on the market these days, and for good reason. The dietitians I spoke with backed it up as a great choice, especially if you’re new to protein powder or just want something simple and effective. With 24 grams of whey protein per serving, an easy-blending and good-tasting formula, and an affordable price, it’s a solid all-around pick that meets the needs of most people.

This powder comes in 20 flavors, including Rocky Road, which seems to have a devoted following all its own. I’ve always liked the classic flavors, though I prefer those that don’t contain artificial sweeteners, which eliminates a few tasty options—none of the flavors have added sugar, but a few are sweetened with sucralose. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein powder is technically not the cleanest product on the market (you can find options with fewer ingredients), nor is it plant-based, but if you’re looking for a reliable, no-fuss blend that gets the job done, this is it.

What’s notable: The main ingredient in this protein powder is casein, which can help curb your appetite while also supporting a healthy metabolism. We also like its clean ingredients.

What could be better: At $2.16 per serving (when not on sale), it’s a more expensive option than comparable whey-based protein powders.

Protein powder on its own isn’t a magic solution for weight loss, but it can play a role in helping you manage your nutrition. By keeping you fuller for longer, boosting your metabolism and helping prevent muscle loss (which keeps your metabolism higher as you shed body fat), protein powder is a great tool to have your kit. And if you’re looking for a simple, clean protein to add to your weight loss journey, I like Optimum Nutrition’s Casein Protein Powder.

As performance nutrition coach Erin Sparrold explains, “casein powders can be helpful for weight loss because they take longer to digest and help with appetite control.” This occurs because, unlike whey, casein forms a gel in your stomach, releasing amino acids gradually to fuel your muscles and spur on your metabolism while keeping hunger in check. Granted, this blend is a bit on the pricey side at over $2.00 per serving, but if you’re looking for a clean, effective option to help you with your weight loss journey, it’s a great choice. (See our full-length Optimum Nutrition Casein Protein Powder review if you want to learn more.)

What’s notable: Made with a more digestible form of whey, it’s a great option for people with sensitive stomachs.

What could be better: At just 110 calories per serving, it doesn’t quite pack enough of a punch for athletes in a true bulk period.

When it comes to muscle building, any complete protein source with enough protein and easy digestion can help facilitate gains, but Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder takes it a step further. Not only is it hydrolyzed and therefore easier to absorb so your muscles get what they need right away after a workout—the most important time for recovery—but it also tastes good in water. For these reasons, this has quickly become one of my favorite blends.

One serving of the Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder mixed with water.

Cam Vigliotta For Forbes

I’ve tried plenty of powders over the years that taste artificial, overly sweet or downright cheap, but Dymatize really gets these elements right. There are other blends in this guide with cleaner profiles, but this powder’s blend of clean ingredients and taste has me reaching for it every day. It’s become my go-to blend over the past six months.

Hydrolyzed whey can be easier to digest than regular whey, so it might be a better option if whey protein powders don’t sit well in your stomach. With that said, hydrolyzed whey still contains lactose, so it’s not a silver bullet if you’re lactose intolerant. Rather, it removes as much lactose as possible, so it might be an option, but I’d still recommend trying a sample to see how your stomach feels before buying a tub. Fortunately, whether you mix it with water, milk or a smoothie, it blends well.

Ghost Whey Protein Powder (Now 16% Off)

What’s notable: Available in a variety of flavors reminiscent of popular snacks, it balances flavor with quality well. Certain options also contain mix-ins like cookies and Oreos.

What could be better: To create the sweet taste, it contains a few extra ingredients than other options on our list like high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners.

Ghost has a reputation for creating some of the best-flavored blends on the market. With familiar, fan-favorite options like Oreo Mint, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy and Cinnabon, the brand makes easy-to-drink and appealing blends that can satisfy most preferences. The consistency of the powder enables most of these formulas to be mixed into smoothies, shakes or even baked goods to get your protein in.

Of course, creating those nostalgic flavors means adding a few extra ingredients to the formula, and indeed there are more additives compared to other options on this list. If you’re comfortable with that, then Ghost may be for you. Delivering 25 grams of whey protein in each serving, Ghost nails the balance between great taste and quality protein, and is highly enjoyable to drink.

What’s notable: The flavor isn’t overpowering and the consistency mixes well with liquids.

What could be better: Since this protein powder is derived from plant-based sources, it contains about four to 10 grams less protein (per serving) than other options on our list. It also contains less servings than the average protein powder (20 compared to 25 to 30).

If you’re vegan, vegetarian, lactose intolerant or just looking for a solid plant-based protein, Orgain’s Organic Protein Powder is a great pick. It combines pea, brown rice, chia and mung bean protein to hit all nine essential amino acids, giving you a complete protein source without any dairy. Plus, everything in it is organic, so you’re working with a clean, planet-friendly blend.

One scoop of the Orgain’s Organic Protein Powder is half a serving.

Cam Vigliotta For Forbes

I see this blend in a lot of plant-based kitchens because it’s one of the more accessible plant-based proteins—you can often find it at Costco for a great price. While I’ll eat just about anything, I find the vanilla flavor to be light, tasty and easy to pair with water or milk; it’s also highly digestible for me. Just keep in mind that one serving is two full scoops, so the tub won’t last as long as you might expect if you’re following the recommended serving size.

With that in mind, there are plenty of other great plant-based options to choose from. Many of Sparrold’s dairy-free athletes prefer OWYN, and brands like Naked, Momentous and Vega have worthy options to choose from as well. Ultimately, I think Orgain strikes the ideal balance between price, ingredient quality and convenience.

Naked Unflavored Whey Protein Powder

What’s notable: It’s a high-quality protein powder made with 100% clean ingredients and a great value at $1.40 per serving.

What could be better: It does have a slight aftertaste if you drink it by itself, although it isn’t unpleasant.

If you want a no-frills, unflavored protein powder that won’t mess with the taste of your shakes, smoothies or whatever else you’re mixing it into, Naked’s Unflavored Whey Protein Powder is the way to go. It’s about as clean as it gets: The only ingredient in this formula is whey protein concentrate, so you’re getting high-quality protein without any additives, artificial colors or sweeteners.

Naked also stands out for its responsible sourcing. The whey comes from small, non-GMO dairy farms, where cows are grass-fed, free-roaming and raised without hormones. And if this unflavored whey protein doesn’t sit well with your stomach, Naked has a wide selection of unflavored protein options, including pea, brown rice and egg protein, making it easy to find something that works for you. (The brand also has several naturally flavored options, like double chocolate and strawberry, if you’re looking for something with a specific taste profile.)

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder (Now 36% Off)

What’s notable: The ingredients are third-party tested for safety, and the protein-collagen peptides help promote healthy skin and hair in addition to building muscle.

What could be better: The flavored versions aren’t as widely available as unflavored; on Amazon, you can only get flavors in 10.5-ounce cans (14 servings).

Collagen-based powders are known for offering hair, skin and joint health benefits, and this option from Vital Proteins couples those perks with 25 grams of protein per serving to encourage muscle growth. Made with lactose-free milk protein isolate and collagen peptides from bovine, the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder is easier to digest than some other options that contain more lactose (including the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein, our top pick for most people).

It’s also NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it’s been tested by a reputable third party for safety and label accuracy; in other words, the ingredients listed on the label are the same ingredients you’ll find inside the container. According to the company, this certification verifies that it’s okay to use as part of your daily training routine. Plus, it comes in six varieties (unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, lemon, pumpkin spice, salted caramel) to suit a variety of taste buds.

The Best Protein Powders, Compared
How We Chose The Best Protein Powders

We selected protein powders based on a few simple but impactful criteria, analyzing products for the following:

Protein type: To accommodate a wide variety of fitness goals and dietary needs, we made sure to include multiple protein types in this guide, from whey and casein to plant- and collagen-based blends. We also checked each contender’s protein content per serving.
Ingredients: We prioritized powders with simple, high-quality ingredients and, for the most part, steered clear of those packed with artificial sweeteners, fillers or unnecessary additives. That said, we included one product (the Ghost Protein Powder) that is delicious-tasting but has comparatively more processed ingredients.
Effectiveness: We turned to registered dietitians for their take on which formulas actually support muscle growth, satiety and overall health.

How To Shop For Protein Powder

When it comes to picking the right protein powder to incorporate into your diet, you’ll want to consider protein type, ingredients and your preferred taste and texture.

Protein Type

The type of protein powder you consume can make a big difference in how well it works for your body. Generally speaking, there are four major kinds of protein powders to choose from, including whey, casein, collagen and plant-based.

Whey protein: Whey is an animal-based protein that is derived from milk, and it’s a popular choice because it’s a complete protein, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids in consistent amounts. This makes it a great option for post-workout recovery and muscle growth. Whey protein is fast-digesting as well—just note that it’s not ideal for individuals with dairy sensitivities.
Casein protein: Like whey, casein is a complete protein made from milk; however, it doesn’t digest as quickly. This makes it a better option for long-term muscle repair and recovery. Casein also keeps you feeling full longer, which can support a healthy metabolism and encourage weight loss.
Collagen protein: These protein blends are also derived from animal sources, including bones, tendons and skins. Collagen excels at supporting joint health and skin elasticity, as well as strengthening your hair and nails.
Plant-based protein: If you’re vegan, vegetarian or lactose-intolerant, plant-based proteins are a solid alternative to whey and casein. Common sources include pea, brown rice, quinoa, chia, lentil and hemp proteins. As Sparrold notes, plant proteins sometimes lack all the essential amino acids, but many blends combine different sources to make sure you’re getting everything you need. “They can also be lower in saturated fat compared to whey and casein,” says Routhenstein.

Ingredients

When it comes to ingredients, simplicity is key. Try to avoid or limit powders that are packed with artificial sweeteners, fillers or preservatives. These extras don’t add to the blend’s nutritional value, and in some cases, they can do more harm than good. “The shorter the ingredient list, the better,” says Sparrold.

For added sweeteners, Sparrold recommends looking for stevia or monk fruit, and to avoid carrageenan, an additive that gives shakes a creamy texture but can have a negative impact on gut health. It’s a good idea to double check for things like soy, gluten or dairy in the ingredient list if you have any food sensitivities or allergies.

Taste And Texture

Taste and texture can make or break your protein powder experience. If the powder is hard to mix or has a chalky, overly sweet taste, you might find yourself avoiding it after a while. Look for powders that dissolve easily in water or milk, or that mix well in smoothies, oatmeal or even baked goods. Also consider whether the powder requires a blender or shaker bottle to get it smooth; you’ll want to keep that in mind for convenience’s sake, and so you’re prepared with the right gear.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted team researches and writes dozens of health and wellness guides each year, and we cover products for every stage of the fitness journey, from supplements to supportive footwear to recovery tools.

Author of this guide and Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta has over six years of experience reviewing outdoor, training and wellness equipment. With a degree in kinesiology, he understands how important it is to find clean, healthy supplements that help you recover, gain muscle or simply meet your personal dietary goals.
This guide was reviewed by Forbes Vetted editorial director, Brinda Ayer, who’s a seasoned marathoner and fitness advocate, and has over a decade of experience in food and lifestyle journalism.
The supplement industry is loosely regulated by the FDA and FTC, meaning plenty of products make bold claims without real proof, and some even contain unsafe ingredients. That’s why we worked with dietitians to find safe, effective protein powders and reliable information: Erin Sparrold is a performance nutrition coach with over 25 years of experience and the owner of ES Performance Nutrition; and Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, is a preventive cardiology dietitian and heart health expert at EntirelyNourished.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best Protein Powder?

After researching dozens of options, consulting experts and trying it for myself, I found that the best protein powder for most people is Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein. Its simple list of ingredients, variety of flavors and digestible blend make it a solid, crowd-pleasing choice.

What Is The Cleanest Protein Powder You Can Get?

If you’re looking for a clean, unflavored protein powder, the Naked Unflavored Whey Protein Powder is the best option for most. It contains only one ingredient—whey protein concentrate—so you don’t have to worry about sweeteners and other additives.

Is It Good To Drink Protein Powder Every Day?

While there isn’t anything wrong with drinking protein powder every day, it’s never a suitable replacement for a well-rounded meal. “Meals include more macronutrient density, including carbohydrates and fats,” says Sparrold. “But a protein powder can be a nice protein anchor to a meal. You can use a protein powder to build a balanced oat bowl, acai bowl, yogurt parfait or a smoothie. Or you can use a protein powder to help you build a quick grab-and-go meal. A protein shake with a banana and a serving of nuts can make a really easy and satisfying balanced, portable meal.”

Best Protein Powders 2025 – Forbes Vetted

Tags: